There exists another tale about Karttikey’s birth. One day, Shiva and Parvati were disturbed by Agni while they were relaxing. Parvati was displeased and cursed Agni by giving him a little of Shiva’s energy. Agni could not stand the heat and got very agitated. He begged Shiva to forgive him. Shiva advised Agni to give out this energy to those who were shivering in the cold. The next morning, Agni came across the wives of seven pious sages, who were taking a dip in the river. All of them were shivering in the cold water. Agni came to their aid and transferred Shiva’s energy that was inside him to them. Out of these seven, only six wives could bear the energy given to them. Later on, a six-headed boy was born from that energy. Sage Garg gave the child the name Karttikey. The six wives became Krittikas (stars). After he was born, the infant floated on River Ganga and is, hence, also called Gangey. Shiva then brought Karttikey to heaven to slay Tarakasur.
Karttikey’s Birth and Lord Agni
